Worldhotels to Develop 10 Properties by 2013 in India

Offering more hotel options for luxury seekers taking flights to India, Worldhotels announced plans to develop 10 hotels in India by the next year. The hotels will be developed under ‘Worldhotel’ brand.

When it rains, it pours. This is what seems to be happening as yet another hospitality firm looks towards India to further their growth agenda.

Worldhotels announced that it plans to develop 10 hotels in India by 2013, offering increased options for business and leisure travellers taking flights to India apart from domestic travellers.

“We are looking at expanding our portfolio in India and are planning to develop 10 hotels by next year,” Naresh Chandnani, Worldhotels Regional Director Business Development, Indian Subcontinent & Maldives, was quoted in India’s leading financial daily.

These hotels will be developed under ‘Worldhotel’ brand as part of the firm’s newly launched brand license program throughout the world.

While these hotels may not appeal very highly to budget travellers taking tickets on cheap flights to India, they will surely tempt those who prefer luxury.

“In India, our focus will be mainly to expand in the branded hotels,” Naresh Chandnani said.

At present, the firm provides its services to 10 hotel properties in India, including two Claridges hotels in Delhi and NCR, the Sahara Star in Mumbai and Aamby Valley in Pune. From all 10 properties, 4-5 are branded and the rest are affiliations, with a 50:50 mix of five star and four star properties.

“Going forward, we would like to maintain this mix,” Mr Chandnani added.

Worldhotels has already forged a partnership with a 75-room property in Chandigarh and is said to be in talks with hotel owners in cities like Pune and Hyderabad. The company plans to generate an inventory of more than 2,000 rooms by next year, Worldhotels, Asia Pacific Vice President Roland Jegge said.

He said that currently the company is focusing in Hyderabad, Pune and Coimbatore and is also looking for opportunities in Kolkata and Bangalore.

India is expected to contribute 5% to Worldhotels’ global sales by 2014, compared to about 2% at the moment.

Worldhotels’ primary targets include business and holiday travellers, conference organisers, corporate tour managers and travel agents.